2 Chronicles 15:7

KJV

Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be ye strong {H2388} therefore, and let not your hands {H3027} be weak {H7503}: for your work {H6468} shall be {H3426} rewarded {H7939}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But you, be strong, and don't slack off; for your work will be rewarded."

Berean Standard Bible

But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.”

American Standard Version

But be ye strong, and let not your hands be slack; for your work shall be rewarded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 15:7 presents a powerful divine exhortation delivered by the prophet Azariah to King Asa and the people of Judah, urging them to maintain their spiritual vigor and diligence in serving God. It serves as a profound encouragement to persevere in righteousness and reform, assuring them that their faithful efforts and obedience will not go unacknowledged or unrewarded by the Lord. This verse encapsulates a core biblical principle of divine reciprocity, where human faithfulness is met with God's steadfast blessing and recompense.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic conclusion of Azariah's prophetic message to King Asa, found in [2 Chronicles 15:1-7](/2-chronicles/15-1 "2 Chronicles 15:1-7 - Azariah's Prophecy"). The prophecy immediately follows King Asa's decisive victory over Zerah the Ethiopian's vast army, a triumph attributed to Asa's fervent prayer and reliance on God, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 14:9-15](/2-chronicles/14-9 "2 Chronicles 14:9-15 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah"). Azariah's message functions as both an affirmation of Asa's initial faithfulness and a crucial call to sustained commitment. It reinforces the conditional nature of God's presence and blessing, famously stating, "The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you" ([2 Chronicles 15:2](/2-chronicles/15-2 "2 Chronicles 15:2 - God's Conditional Presence")). Verse 7, therefore, is a direct application of this principle, urging continued strength and effort in light of God's promised reward.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Asa reigned during a period of significant religious and political flux in Judah. He began his reign with commendable zeal, initiating widespread reforms to purge idolatry and restore true worship, as described in [2 Chronicles 14:2-5](/2-chronicles/14-2 "2 Chronicles 14:2-5 - Asa's Early Reforms"). The victory over the Ethiopians was a monumental event, demonstrating God's power on behalf of a king who sought Him. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, prophets often served as divine messengers, speaking God's will directly to kings and the populace, offering guidance, rebuke, or encouragement. Azariah's prophecy would have been understood as a direct word from Yahweh, carrying immense authority and shaping the king's subsequent actions. The concept of "work" and "reward" was deeply embedded in the covenantal framework, where obedience to God's laws was expected to yield blessings, while disobedience would result in curses, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Encouragement**, where God actively inspires and empowers His people to remain steadfast, even amidst challenges. Secondly, it highlights **Perseverance in Righteousness**, emphasizing that the spiritual journey is not a one-time decision but an ongoing commitment requiring sustained effort and vigilance against spiritual weariness. This resonates with later biblical calls to "not grow weary in well-doing" ([Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Not Growing Weary")). Thirdly, the verse firmly establishes the theme of **Promise of Divine Reward**, assuring that God is a faithful recompenser of those who diligently seek and serve Him. This principle is foundational to biblical faith, affirming God's justice and His commitment to honoring the labor of His people, a truth echoed in [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - God as a Rewarder"). The reward here encompasses not merely material prosperity but divine favor, successful endeavors, and spiritual blessings in the context of God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chazaq (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq'_):** Translated as "Be ye strong," this Hebrew verb carries a rich semantic range, implying not just physical strength but also courage, firmness, resolve, and determination. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to command or encourage someone to be strong and courageous in the face of daunting tasks or opposition, particularly in leadership roles or when undertaking God's work. For example, it is used when God commands Joshua to "be strong and courageous" as he leads Israel into the Promised Land ([Joshua 1:6](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6 - Be Strong and Courageous")). In this context, it is a spiritual and moral injunction to maintain steadfastness in their commitment to God's ways.
* **raphah (Hebrew, _rāp̄â'_):** Appearing in the negative command "let not your hands be weak" (from the root _raphah_), this verb means "to slacken," "to relax," "to let go," or "to grow faint." The phrase "hands be weak" is a common idiom in Hebrew, symbolizing a cessation of effort, idleness, discouragement, or a giving up on a task. It's an admonition against spiritual apathy or abandoning righteous endeavors due to weariness, opposition, or lack of immediate visible results. It calls for sustained effort and diligence.
* **sakar (Hebrew, _śākār'_):** Rendered as "reward," this noun refers to wages, recompense, or payment for labor or service. It denotes a just return for effort expended. In the biblical context, it emphasizes God's equitable nature and His commitment to honoring faithful service and obedience. The reward is a divine acknowledgment and blessing, affirming that no genuine effort for God's kingdom goes unnoticed or uncompensated by Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be ye strong therefore":** This is a direct, imperative command, urging King Asa and the people to actively embrace courage and resolute determination. The "therefore" links this command directly to the preceding verses of Azariah's prophecy, particularly the assurance of God's presence for those who seek Him. It implies that in light of God's faithfulness and their recent victory, they have every reason to be strong and continue their reforms.
* **"and let not your hands be weak":** This negative injunction serves as a powerful parallel to the first clause, reinforcing the call for sustained effort. "Hands" often symbolize action, work, and practical engagement. To let one's hands be weak means to cease working, to become discouraged, or to abandon the righteous path. It is a warning against spiritual lethargy, complacency, or giving up on the ongoing work of purging idolatry and seeking God.
* **"for your work shall be rewarded":** This final clause provides the motivation and assurance for the preceding commands. The "work" refers to their diligent efforts in seeking God, obeying His commands, and carrying out the reforms. The promise of "reward" signifies God's faithfulness to recompense those who serve Him diligently. This reward is not necessarily immediate or material but encompasses divine favor, blessing, success in their endeavors, and the ultimate vindication of their faithfulness. It serves as a powerful incentive to persevere.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 15:7 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The primary device is **Exhortation**, a direct and forceful encouragement to action, evident in the imperative commands "Be ye strong" and "let not your hands be weak." This direct address aims to inspire and motivate the audience to specific conduct. A clear **Metaphor** is present in the phrase "let not your hands be weak," where "hands" stand metonymically for effort, work, and practical action, and "weak" symbolizes discouragement, idleness, or cessation of effort. This vivid imagery makes the call to perseverance tangible. Furthermore, the verse exhibits strong **Parallelism**, particularly in the balanced structure of the first two clauses: "Be ye strong therefore" and "let not your hands be weak." These two phrases, while distinct, convey a unified message of sustained vigor and diligence through both positive and negative commands, reinforcing the central theme of perseverance. The final clause, "for your work shall be rewarded," functions as a **Motive Clause**, providing the compelling reason and incentive for adhering to the preceding exhortations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and humanity's call to responsive obedience. It highlights the principle that God is not indifferent to the efforts of His people; rather, He actively observes and justly recompenses those who diligently seek and serve Him. This divine reciprocity underscores God's character as a righteous judge and a generous rewarder, affirming that true spiritual labor is never in vain. It teaches that while salvation is by grace through faith, God values and honors the active, persevering faith that manifests in obedience and diligent service. The promise of reward serves not as a basis for earning salvation, but as an encouragement for faithful stewardship within the covenant relationship.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - God as a Rewarder")
* [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Not Growing Weary in Well-Doing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 15:7 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating the complexities of faith and life today. In a world often characterized by instant gratification and short-term thinking, this verse calls us to a deeper, more enduring commitment. It reminds us that the pursuit of righteousness, the work of spiritual growth, and the labor of kingdom service are often long-haul endeavors, fraught with challenges and requiring sustained effort. When faced with discouragement, opposition, or the slow pace of change, this divine word urges us not to "let our hands be weak," but to renew our strength in the Lord. It reassures us that our unseen sacrifices, our quiet acts of obedience, and our persistent prayers are not overlooked by God. Knowing that our "work shall be rewarded" provides a powerful antidote to weariness, motivating us to continue pressing forward with courage and diligence, trusting in God's ultimate faithfulness and His perfect timing for recompense.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of your life or ministry are currently tempting you to "let your hands be weak," and how can you apply the call to "be strong" in those areas?**
* **How does the promise of God's reward motivate your perseverance, especially when your efforts seem unnoticed or unappreciated by others?**
* **In what ways might your "work" for the Lord manifest in your daily life, and how can you ensure it is done with diligence and integrity?**
* **How does understanding God as a rewarder shape your perspective on challenges and setbacks in your spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**What does "let not your hands be weak" specifically imply for believers today?**

Answer: "Let not your hands be weak" is a powerful idiom that implies a call to avoid spiritual apathy, discouragement, and idleness. For believers today, it means to not give up on the good work God has called them to, whether it's in their personal spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible study), their service in the church, or their witness in the world. It's an exhortation to maintain diligence, perseverance, and active engagement in pursuing righteousness and fulfilling their God-given purpose, even when facing opposition, weariness, or a lack of immediate results. It encourages steadfastness in faith and obedience, reminding us that our efforts are seen by God.

**Is the "reward" mentioned in 2 Chronicles 15:7 always material or immediate?**

Answer: No, the "reward" mentioned in this verse is not exclusively material or immediate. While God certainly blesses His people in tangible ways, the primary emphasis of "reward" (Hebrew _śākār_) in this context, and throughout Scripture, is on divine favor, spiritual blessings, successful outcomes in God's work, and ultimately, eternal recompense. For Asa, the reward included continued peace, prosperity, and God's presence, leading to significant reforms and a period of stability for Judah, as seen in [2 Chronicles 15:19](/2-chronicles/15-19 "2 Chronicles 15:19 - Asa's Reign of Peace"). For believers today, the reward encompasses the joy of God's presence, spiritual fruitfulness, the satisfaction of obedient service, and the ultimate inheritance and commendation in Christ, as promised in passages like [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - Your Father Who Sees in Secret Will Reward You").

**How does this verse help us overcome discouragement in our spiritual walk or ministry?**

Answer: This verse offers profound encouragement by shifting our focus from the immediate difficulties to God's ultimate faithfulness. When we feel our "hands getting weak" due to the challenges of living a godly life, the slow progress of ministry, or the lack of visible impact, the promise that "your work shall be rewarded" serves as a powerful antidote to discouragement. It reminds us that our labor for the Lord is never in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1-corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Your Labor in the Lord Is Not in Vain")). Knowing that God sees our efforts, values our obedience, and will justly recompense us, provides the motivation to renew our strength and persevere, trusting in His sovereign plan and His perfect timing for blessing and vindication. It encourages us to fix our eyes on the eternal reward rather than temporary setbacks ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 15:7, with its call to strength and promise of reward, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise of reward was often tied to covenantal obedience and earthly blessings, Christ redefines and elevates the nature of both the "strength" and the "reward." Our ability to "be strong" and not let our "hands be weak" is no longer solely dependent on human will or effort, but is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit and the resurrection power of Christ, as Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength in Christ")). Our "work" is now understood not as a means to earn favor, but as a grateful response to the grace already received through Christ's finished work on the cross. The ultimate "reward" is no longer merely temporal prosperity but the eternal inheritance and the commendation from Christ Himself, who will return "bringing his recompense with him, to give to each one according to his work" ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus Brings His Reward")). Through Christ, our perseverance in faith and love is assured, and our labor for His kingdom, however small, is eternally significant, not because of our merit, but because we are working in Him and for Him, our ultimate rewarder ([Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working Heartily for the Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Hebrews 10:35

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

1 Chronicles 28:20

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

2 John 1:8

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Genesis 15:1

¶ After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.